Scottish Country Dancers, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye

Scottish Country Dancers, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye

ID: SLD_182_093 DESCRIPTION: A demonstration of Scottish Country dancing keeps the public entertained, possibly at an open day at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College in south Skye. Those taking part are Rae MacColl, Allan and Margaret Humphreys, Stan and Janet Donaldson, Ann Prior, Sheila Mackenzie and Joan MacCorquadale. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig was founded in 1973 in old farm steadings at Ostaig in Sleat on Skye, originally part of Macdonald estates. While the initial aim was to establish a Gaelic library, the long term plan was for a Gaelic-medium college providing vocational further education for Gaelic speakers, in their own language and in a rural environment, while also giving the growing number of Gaelic enthusiasts the opportunity to learn the language. Summer schools, evening classes and Gaelic based social events gradually expanded so that the college is now part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, offering full degree courses through the medium of Gaelic. As well as the language and culture itself, the college also offers courses in media studies, Gaelic broadcasting, Information Technology and business studies, now in a purpose-built campus, Àrainn Chaluim Chille, with full state-of-the-art facilities. Olivia James The images in this collection are a selection from a set of high quality Agfachrome slides taken by Olivia James. Mrs James, a semi-professional photographer, took the photographs on visits to Skye between 1968 and 1989, using a Pentax S1A camera and CT 18 film. They record a variety of locations, people and activities which have now changed or indeed disappeared, and provide one person's view of the island through the camera lens. Born in Elderslie, Renfrewshire on 26th April 1932, Olive Grace James (née Purcell) moved to England in 1944, trained as a teacher and married Richard James in 1956. Her husband's forbears were from Skye and they began visiting on a regular basis in 1968. In addition to the slides, Mrs James has written an evocative account of her memories of places, events and people on Skye which she named 'Skye Magic', a copy of which is held at the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre. 'Skye Magic' has been incorporated into her privately printed autobiography 'Neivie, Neivie, Nick, Nack' which she has kindly donated to various institutions including the Clan Donald Library on Skye, the Mitchell Library in Glasgow and the Weaver's Cottage, Kilbarchan. This image may be available to purchase. For further information about purchasing and prices please email Skye and Lochalsh Archives PLACENAME: Ostaig DISTRICT: Skye OLD COUNTY/PARISH: INVERNESS: Sleat PERIOD: 1980s SOURCE: Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre COLLECTION: Olivia James Collection Asset ID: 39538 KEYWORDS: